Passage 1
Questions and Answers
(a). What is the primary purpose of the passage?
(a) To provide a step-by-step guide on setting up a home aquarium.
(b) To persuade the readers to consider fish keeping as a rewarding hobby.
(c) To discuss the history of commercial fish breeding operations.
(d) To compare the benefits of freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Answer: (b) To persuade the readers to consider fish keeping as a rewarding hobby.
Explanation: The passage lists health, practical and decorative benefits of aquariums, aiming to present fish keeping as a rewarding hobby.
(b). Is the tone of the passage primarily positive, negative, or neutral towards fish keeping? Provide examples to support your answer.
Answer: The tone is positive. The author uses language that highlights the benefits and advantages of fish keeping, such as "Aquariums can bring a bit of nature, a living ecosystem, into any home," and "Watching fish also has a significant calming effect." These positive statements convey the author's favourable attitude towards fish keeping.
Explanation: Almost every sentence presents an advantage of aquariums, and even the cost of saltwater fish is balanced by 'On the positive side'.
(c). Complete the sentence appropriately.
From the line, ‘Likewise, research shows that people waiting to see a doctor or undergo a medical procedure were less anxious after watching fish swimming in a tank.’ one can infer that ______
Answer: observing fish in an aquarium has a calming effect on people, reducing their anxiety levels.
Explanation: The research shows anxious patients became calmer after watching fish.
(d). The passage includes some words that are opposites of each other. From the sets (a)-(e) below, identify one set of antonyms:
(a) stress and calming
(b) concave and free
(c) easy and affordable
(d) positive and negative
(e) happy and sad
Answer: (a) stress and calming
Explanation: Both words occur in the passage and stress (tension) is the opposite of calming; 'negative', 'happy' and 'sad' do not appear in it.
(e). Complete the sentence appropriately.
The author's opinion on the future of fish keeping as a hobby appears to be optimistic because ______
Answer: advancements in technology and accessibility have made fish keeping more convenient and enjoyable for enthusiasts.
Explanation: The passage notes durable tanks, better filtration and affordable transport, and aquariums now built into furniture.
(f). What inference can be made about the impact of technological advancements on the popularity of home aquariums? Use details from the passage to justify your inference.
Answer: Technological advancements have made fish keeping more accessible and enjoyable for hobbyists. Commercial breeding and air transport made aquariums easy and affordable, while more durable tanks and improved filtration let hobbyists keep fish for longer, so home aquariums have become popular.
Explanation: The passage directly links breeding, air transport, durable tanks and filtration to the popularity of home aquariums.
(g). What is meant by "exotic fish" in the passage?
(a) Fish species that are native to a particular region.
(b) Fish that are rare and difficult to find in pet stores.
(c) Fish with unique patterns and colours.
(d) Fish commonly found in home aquariums.
Answer: (b) Fish that are rare and difficult to find in pet stores.
Explanation: Exotic fish are unusual species from distant places, so they are rare and not easily found in ordinary pet stores.
(h). State whether the passage displays an example of informative / expository / persuasive writing.
Answer: The passage displays characteristics of persuasive writing. It seeks to persuade readers to consider fish keeping as a rewarding hobby by highlighting its benefits, such as reducing stress and providing a living ecosystem in the home.
Explanation: It piles up benefits of fish keeping to win the reader over to the hobby.
Passage 2
2. Imagine you're scrolling through social media, and you come across pictures of your friends on exciting vacations or enjoying the latest gadgets. It's easy to feel a pang of envy, wishing you were in their shoes. This is the envy trap – the cycle of comparing ourselves to others and feeling discontent with what we have.
3. Avoiding the envy trap begins with understanding that everyone's journey is unique. Just because someone else is on a dazzling adventure doesn't mean your own path is any less incredible. We each have our own story to write, with different highs and lows that shape who we are.
4. Being content doesn't mean settling for less; it means appreciating what we have while working towards our goals. It's like having a delicious laddoo – you enjoy each bite without constantly eyeing someone else's treats. Being content means finding joy in the present, even as we strive for a better future.
5. Think about a time when you achieved something you worked hard for, like acing a challenging test or mastering a new skill. That sense of accomplishment is part of being content. It's about recognising and celebrating our achievements, big or small, without letting comparison steal our joy. Moreover, contentment is like having a superpower – it shields us from the negative effects of envy. Instead of feeling bitter or resentful, we can genuinely celebrate the successes of others. Their victories become a source of inspiration rather than a cause for jealousy.
6. Another essential aspect of avoiding the envy trap is fostering gratitude. Take a moment each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. It could be the support of your family, the beauty of nature, or the simple pleasures like a good book or a warm cup of cocoa. Gratitude helps us focus on the abundance in our lives, making it harder for envy to creep in. Embracing contentment now will set the stage for a fulfilling journey ahead. Remember, it's okay to have goals and dreams, but let them fuel your passion rather than fuel comparison.
7. Avoiding the envy trap is a valuable skill that will serve you well throughout life. By learning to be content, you'll discover the true magic in appreciating the present while eagerly anticipating the adventures that lie ahead.
(CBSE Practice Set-2, 2023)
Questions and Answers
(a). Infer ONE likely purpose of the writer's choice of the opening line, "Life is like a roller coaster, full of twists, turns, and unexpected surprises."
Answer: The writer has used the given line to start the passage to engage the readers and hook them by creating a vivid image of a roller coaster.
Explanation: A familiar, exciting image at the start draws the reader into the topic of life's ups and downs.
(b). What is the primary relationship between paragraphs 1 and 2 in the passage?
(a) Cause and Effect
(b) Problem and Solution
(c) Comparison and Contrast
(d) Concept and Exemplification
Answer: (d) Concept and Exemplification
Explanation: Paragraph 1 introduces the concept of the envy trap and paragraph 2 gives a social-media example of it.
(c). What lesson does paragraph 3 convey about individual journeys?
(a) Each journey is similar, emphasising shared experiences.
(b) Exclusive paths define each person's characteristic narrative.
(c) Similar accomplishments lead to a common destination.
(d) Different perspectives hinder the understanding of personal stories.
Answer: (b) Exclusive paths define each person's characteristic narrative.
Explanation: Paragraph 3 says everyone's journey is unique and each of us has our own story to write.
(d). Explain the analogy of enjoying a laddoo in 30-40 words. (Ref: paragraph 4)
Answer: Just as one savours each bite of a delightful laddoo without yearning for someone else's treats, cultivating contentment involves relishing our present moments and achievements, free from the grip of comparison and envy.
Explanation: Paragraph 4 uses the laddoo to show enjoying what we have instead of eyeing what others have.
(e). Complete the following analogy correctly, by filling the blank with a word from paragraph 5.
shield : defence :: ______ : envy
Answer: contentment
Explanation: A shield gives defence, and paragraph 5 says contentment shields us from envy.
(f). State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE. (Ref: paragraph 5)
The author suggests a shift from a mindset of contentment to one where individuals genuinely celebrate the successes of others.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paragraph 5 says contentment itself enables us to celebrate others' success; it is not a shift away from contentment.
(g). Quote the textual evidence from paragraph 6 that supports the following opinions about ‘envy’:
Envy will catch you unawares
Envy is quite sneaky
Envy stealthily gets a hold on you
Answer: “...making it harder for envy to creep in.”
Explanation: To 'creep in' means to enter slowly and unnoticed, matching all three opinions.
(h). Rationalise, in 30-40 words, why the writer uses the phrase "true magic" for the skill of inculcating contentment. (Ref: paragraph 7)
Answer: The writer suggests that the ability to be content has a magical quality in positively shaping one's outlook and experience of life. This choice of expression emphasises the enchanting impact that contentment can have on an individual's overall well-being and perspective.
Explanation: 'Magic' stresses how powerfully contentment transforms the way we enjoy the present.
Passage 3
2. Avalanches can be caused by many things. Some of them are natural. For example, new snow or rain can cause built-up snow to loosen and fall down the side of a mountain. Earthquakes and the movement of animals have also been known to cause avalanches. Artificial triggers can also cause avalanches. For example, snowmobiles, skiers, gunshots and explosives have all been known to cause avalanches. Avalanches usually occur during the winter and spring, when snowfall is greatest. As they are dangerous to any living beings in their path, avalanches have destroyed forests, roads, railroads and even entire towns.
3. Warning signs exist that allow experts to predict – and often prevent – avalanches from occurring. When over a foot of fresh snow falls, experts know to be on the lookout for avalanches. Explosives can be used in places with massive snow build-ups to trigger smaller avalanches that don’t pose a danger to people or property. When deadly avalanches do occur, the moving snow can quickly reach over 80 miles per hour. Skiers caught in such avalanches can be buried under dozens of feet of snow. While it’s possible to dig out of such avalanches, not all are able to escape.
4. If you get tossed about by an avalanche and find yourself buried under many feet of snow, you might not have a true sense of which way is up and which way is down. Some avalanche victims have tried to dig their way out, only to find that they were upside down and digging themselves farther under the snow rather than to the top! Experts suggest that people caught in an avalanche try to “swim” to the top of the moving snow to stay close to the surface. Once the avalanche stops, do your best to dig around you to create a space for air, so you can breathe easier. Then, do your best to figure out which way is up and dig in that direction to reach the surface and signal rescuers.
(CBSE 2023)
Questions and Answers
(a). Complete the sentence by choosing an appropriate option:
Avalanche can be caused by:
(a) new snow or rain
(b) heavy winds
(c) high altitude
(d) global warming
Answer: (a) new snow or rain
Explanation: Paragraph 2 names new snow or rain as a natural cause; winds, altitude and global warming are not mentioned.
(b). Comment, in two sentences, on the warning signs which allow experts to predict avalanches.
Answer: When over a foot of fresh snow falls, experts know that an avalanche may occur and stay on the lookout. In places with massive snow build-ups, they use explosives to trigger smaller avalanches that do not harm people or property.
Explanation: Paragraph 3 gives fresh snowfall of over a foot as the warning sign and explosives as the preventive step.
(c). Mention two reasons which destroyed the natural scenery.
Answer: The natural scenery is destroyed by avalanches caused by natural triggers such as new snow, rain, earthquakes and the movement of animals, and by artificial triggers such as snowmobiles, skiers, gunshots and explosives.
Explanation: Paragraph 2 lists natural and artificial triggers of avalanches, which have destroyed forests, roads and towns.
(d). Select the option that conveys the opposite of ‘massive’:
(a) tiny
(b) lengthy
(c) bulky
(d) extensive
Answer: (a) tiny
Explanation: Massive means very large, so its opposite is tiny; the other words also suggest largeness.
(e). The writer will agree with one of the given statements (paragraph 4):
(a) People caught in the avalanche can try to swim to the top.
(b) Put on an oxygen mask.
(c) Digging is not possible.
(d) Should not come close to the surface.
Answer: (a) People caught in the avalanche can try to swim to the top.
Explanation: Paragraph 4 says experts suggest people caught in an avalanche try to 'swim' to the top.
(f). Select the option that corresponds to the relation shown in the following:
You may not have an idea of which way is up and which way is down.
(a) The crowd will gather at Gate No. 1 and disperse from Gate No. 2.
(b) Due to the torrential rain, there was heavy flooding.
(c) The guest felt uneasy and uncomfortable watching the child’s performance.
(d) The more the effort, the bigger the gain.
Answer: (a) The crowd will gather at Gate No. 1 and disperse from Gate No. 2.
Explanation: The sentence pairs opposites (up/down); option (a) also pairs opposites (gather/disperse).
(g). Which of the following does not trigger an avalanche?
(a) Earthquakes
(b) Snow fall
(c) Rain
(d) Plastic waste
Answer: (d) Plastic waste
Explanation: Paragraph 2 lists earthquakes, new snow and rain as triggers; plastic waste is not one.
(h). Complete the sentence appropriately:
Explosives can be used in places ______
Answer: with massive snow build-ups (to trigger smaller avalanches that don’t pose a danger to people or property).
Explanation: Paragraph 3 states this directly.
(i). The word ‘deadly’ in paragraph 3 most nearly means:
(a) likely to cause death
(b) harmful
(c) very boring
(d) scary
Answer: (a) likely to cause death
Explanation: Avalanches that bury skiers under dozens of feet of snow are 'deadly', i.e. likely to cause death.
(j). Select the most suitable title for the above passage:
(a) Avalanches
(b) Adventure with Snow
(c) Ice Games
(d) Calamity
Answer: (a) Avalanches
Explanation: The passage explains what avalanches are, their causes, warning signs and survival tips.
Passage 4
2. Initially, man passed through ‘the hunting and fishing stage’. During this period, his basic needs were adequately met by nature. Wild animals, birds and fruits satisfied his hunger, and his thirst was quenched by the waters of springs and rivers. Caves gave him shelter and barks of trees were used as clothing. During this stage of man’s progress there was no economic, political or social system.
3. Then came ‘the pastoral stage’, which was marked by a certain amount of economic activity. The nomadic and migratory nature of man persisted, and, together with his goats and cattle, he moved on to fresh pastures and meadows. Some conflicts would sometimes take place among herd owners, for, during this period, private property ownership was not there.
4. This stage paved the way for ‘the agricultural stage’ during which the class system began to develop. There was a small artisan class, mostly self-employed; and there were also landed proprietors or Zamindars as well as slaves. Thus arose the feudal system. During the fourth stage of these developments, ‘the handicrafts stage’, a number of social and economic changes took place which marked the beginning of the labour problem in the world. The self-sufficient economy of the village underwent a drastic change. A community of traders and merchants emerged.
(Delhi Govt. 2022)
Questions and Answers
(a). The author says that humanity’s evolution has been ‘extensive’ and ‘varied’. Justify.
Answer: Humanity had to pass through several stages of evolutionary change to reach the present state of civilisation. These stages were very different, such as the hunting and fishing stage, the pastoral stage, the feudal system, etc. Hence, the author is right to use the words ‘extensive’ and ‘varied’.
Explanation: Paragraphs 2 to 4 trace many very different stages of man's economic life.
(b). What were the needs of man during the hunting and fishing stage?
Answer: The needs of man during the hunting and fishing stage were very simple – food, water, shelter and clothing – and were all met by the bounties of nature.
Explanation: Paragraph 2 says animals and fruits gave food, rivers gave water, caves gave shelter and bark gave clothing.
(c). What do you understand from the term ‘pastoral stage’?
Answer: During the pastoral stage, human beings had a migratory lifestyle. They would move on to fresh meadows and pastures with their cattle and goats.
Explanation: Paragraph 3 describes man moving with his herds to fresh pastures.
(d). Identify the INCORRECT statement according to the passage:
(a) The class system developed during the agricultural stage.
(b) The labour problem began with the handicrafts stage.
(c) Traders and merchants came as a result of the feudal system.
(d) Private property existed during the agricultural stage.
Answer: (c) Traders and merchants came as a result of the feudal system.
Explanation: Paragraph 4 says traders and merchants emerged in the handicrafts stage, not as a result of the feudal system.
| Opinion | Reason |
|---|---|
| ______ | Private property ownership was not there. |
Answer: Some conflicts would sometimes take place among herd owners.
Explanation: Paragraph 3 gives the absence of private property as the reason for conflicts among herd owners.
(f). Rewrite the following sentence by replacing the underlined phrase with a word that means the same from paragraph 4.
After an hour-long inquiry of the suspected men, the truth became known that he was innocent.
Answer: After an hour-long inquiry of the suspected men, the truth emerged that he was innocent.
Explanation: 'Emerged' (paragraph 4) means came out or became known.
(g). Which of these options does NOT justify the given statement?
‘Man’s economic activity centres primarily around factors of production.’
(a) Artisans got their raw materials from village crops and animals.
(b) Zamindars made their income by leasing out their land.
(c) Pastoralists made their income from the products of their cattle.
(d) Wild animals, birds and fruits were sold during the hunting stage.
Answer: (d) Wild animals, birds and fruits were sold during the hunting stage.
Explanation: Paragraph 2 says there was no economic system in the hunting stage, so nothing was sold then.
(h). Find a word from the given options to complete the given analogy:
Resolve : Conflict :: ______ : Thirst
(a) Fight
(b) Satisfy
(c) Develop
(d) Quench
Answer: (d) Quench
Explanation: We resolve a conflict and quench a thirst (paragraph 2).
(i). Which of these options does not hold true for both the hunting and pastoral stage?
(a) Nomadic lifestyle
(b) No private property
(c) No economic activity
(d) All of the above
Answer: (c) No economic activity
Explanation: The pastoral stage had 'a certain amount of economic activity' (paragraph 3), so 'no economic activity' is not true of both.
(j). How do you think the community of traders and merchants changed the ‘self-sufficient’ economy of the village?
(a) By bringing in migrant labour.
(b) By bringing machinery into agriculture.
(c) By bringing goods that were not produced in the village.
(d) By investing in share markets and companies.
Answer: (c) By bringing goods that were not produced in the village.
Explanation: Traders bring in goods from outside, so the village no longer depends only on what it produces itself.